In February, Forbes highlighted a study revealing that job burnout is at an all-time high of 66%. While findings point to return-to-office mandates as the main culprit, employees have their reasons for hating the work they do.
Some of these people even quit on the spot, and they are sharing their stories in a recent Reddit thread. They upped and left without turning back and feel zero regrets about their decision.
As you will come to read, their rage quit triggers are mostly valid. If you’ve been in a similar situation, feel free to share your experience in the comment boxes below.
#1
I told my boss I was miscarrying and needed to go to the hospital. She said I needed to wait until the end of my shift. I was a receptionist for a real estate agency. I walked out and never came back.
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104points
#2
My new team leader was an idiot, and an unpleasant person, so I was thinking about leaving anyway, but the final straw was her firing someone for taking too many days off for his chemotherapy. When it was announced, I just stood up, told her she was a terrible person, and that I quit, and left. Then phoned my partner on the way home to explain why I was now unemployed 😁 Very long time ago now, and it all worked out in the end. Last time I heard, the guy was still fit and healthy, so all is well.
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97points
#3
I asked off one day for my freshman orientation at college. Boss told me I had to make a tough decision, either I wanted to work or I didn't.
I'm sorry, minimum wage at a pet store or going to college? You got me messed up. I never went back.
I'm sorry, minimum wage at a pet store or going to college? You got me messed up. I never went back.
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87points
#4
My boss wanted my coworker to come to work the day after her best friend got m******d. I quit so we couldn't open.
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86points
#5
I was in a call center selling mobiles / mobile subscriptions. I was real good at it aswell, but after about a year the burn out was real.
It was a summer day and my friends where out day drinking not oven 500 m away. At lunch the boss pulls us all in to our after lunch meeting. He starts calling me out for not calling enough, not talking long enough and not selling enough. Right in front of everybody. He ended the sentence with "do you even wanna be here!?". And tbh a lightbulb just turned on in my head, i told him no i did not, took my jacket and left. The best mic drop moment ive had.
My coworkers called me after and told me he just stood there in disbelief. And i ofcourse went day drinking with my friends instead. Best day ever!
It was a summer day and my friends where out day drinking not oven 500 m away. At lunch the boss pulls us all in to our after lunch meeting. He starts calling me out for not calling enough, not talking long enough and not selling enough. Right in front of everybody. He ended the sentence with "do you even wanna be here!?". And tbh a lightbulb just turned on in my head, i told him no i did not, took my jacket and left. The best mic drop moment ive had.
My coworkers called me after and told me he just stood there in disbelief. And i ofcourse went day drinking with my friends instead. Best day ever!
82points
#6
Retail. 2 weeks before christmas. I live somewhere it snows a lot, and at the time took the bus to work. The roads were very bad and the busses were running late. My phone was dead, the battery didn't keep a charge very long anymore but I couldn't afford a new one. I run in as fast as I can, apologize profusely and explain, my boss tears me a new one. Fine, I brush it off and get on the sales floor quickly.
I picked up every shift dropped at this place. I was only part time, and I needed the money. I could be relied on to come in last minute just about always. I was never late or missed shifts, ever. This was the first time.
I see her take out the schedule binder, which reminds me, I have a Dr. appointment the following week. I tell her the day and time. She asks me what it's for. I pause because that's a weird thing to ask but also because where I live you can't ask by law. I tell her that's none of her business and she can't ask me that. She tells me if I'm going to screw her over at christmas it is her business.
That was it. I marched to the back room, got my things and walked right out saying 'now you're screwed' and flipped her the bird.
I really needed that job and the money, but I didn't need to be treated that way.
Not long after, that manager was fired. The new replacement called me to come back, and I did!
I picked up every shift dropped at this place. I was only part time, and I needed the money. I could be relied on to come in last minute just about always. I was never late or missed shifts, ever. This was the first time.
I see her take out the schedule binder, which reminds me, I have a Dr. appointment the following week. I tell her the day and time. She asks me what it's for. I pause because that's a weird thing to ask but also because where I live you can't ask by law. I tell her that's none of her business and she can't ask me that. She tells me if I'm going to screw her over at christmas it is her business.
That was it. I marched to the back room, got my things and walked right out saying 'now you're screwed' and flipped her the bird.
I really needed that job and the money, but I didn't need to be treated that way.
Not long after, that manager was fired. The new replacement called me to come back, and I did!
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73points
#7
My manager was a bleach blonde nutjob who only had her position because daddy owned the restaurant chain. I was the assistant manager and basically ran the place while she sat in a booth and chatted with friends all day. Three weeks before my exit she hired her friend, who had no restaurant experience, to be a waitress. Two weeks after that she got married for the second time (she was 24) and was to take off on her honeymoon a week later. Two days before she was to leave she left me a note in the office telling me that her new waitress friend was going to be in charge of the restaurant (zero experience managing anything) while she was gone. The next day I walked in at the start of my shift and walked up to the table where she, her new husband, and daddy were sitting and talking. I dropped my keys on the table and told her that I wasn't about to be 'managed' by some idiot she dragged in off the street three weeks ago. Her father asked what I meant and I realized she hadn't told him about her decision. I briefly explained and then left. As I walked away I heard him tell her that she created the problem and now she had to solve it and that, if that was going to ruin her honeymoon, that was her fault.
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72points
#8
My daughter was just born 2 weeks ago and I said I couldn’t work **overtime** anymore and they said they needed me to get my priorities straight and if I can’t be there when they need me, they dont want me.
I stood up and shook his hand and said “I guess this is it then, good luck” and walked out. I kept the rage inside, but it just about broke out when I received an email 20 minutes later about his shock and disappointment
His disappointment that I chose spending time with my new born over his business. .
I stood up and shook his hand and said “I guess this is it then, good luck” and walked out. I kept the rage inside, but it just about broke out when I received an email 20 minutes later about his shock and disappointment
His disappointment that I chose spending time with my new born over his business. .
71points
#9
My manager verbally berated one of my coworkers (and friends) for running drinks from the bar instead of being at the host stand. She was asked by another manager to help run drinks, and this manager was so a*****e it brought this sweet girl who was just trying to help to tears. I decided right there I was done but wanted a little petty revenge on top. They were always short on bartenders, and i was the only one scheduled in the bar the following night on a Friday. I came in 20 minutes before my shift and told that manger that I won't be working as of now because of the way she treats her employees.
66points
#10
I was 15 and my parents made me get my first job at a local chain store.
I was in charge of walking around for 8 hours/day and "facing" the shelves which basically meant all of the product was at the front of the shelves.
The manager of my department was a guy who seemed to be a journeyman for the company contracted to move from store to store. His personal skills were lacking and it was obvious even when I was 15. Imagine a man who looked like Bam Margera and was sober wearing a polo and always walked fast.
Anyways, I was on the floor facing the shelves and a guy I worked with (older than me, probably like 20-24) and he needed the job. We were talking to each other quietly as we were doing a task right next to each other. Nobody was around.
Bam walked by and immediately summoned us to the back of the store. I knew we were in trouble by the way he spoke to us. The guy proceeded to explain to us we are never allowed to talk during our work. I don't know how to explain it but something about the way he spoke felt like being scolded by an angry principal. Before I could say a word the guy I worked with was extremely apologetic and said he was sorry and it won't happen again. Bam looks at me for a similar apology and I told him, "F**k you." and I walked out.
Not sure if I'm the a*****e in this situation but I was 15 and I was pissed and a no talking at work policy seemed unreasonable.
I was in charge of walking around for 8 hours/day and "facing" the shelves which basically meant all of the product was at the front of the shelves.
The manager of my department was a guy who seemed to be a journeyman for the company contracted to move from store to store. His personal skills were lacking and it was obvious even when I was 15. Imagine a man who looked like Bam Margera and was sober wearing a polo and always walked fast.
Anyways, I was on the floor facing the shelves and a guy I worked with (older than me, probably like 20-24) and he needed the job. We were talking to each other quietly as we were doing a task right next to each other. Nobody was around.
Bam walked by and immediately summoned us to the back of the store. I knew we were in trouble by the way he spoke to us. The guy proceeded to explain to us we are never allowed to talk during our work. I don't know how to explain it but something about the way he spoke felt like being scolded by an angry principal. Before I could say a word the guy I worked with was extremely apologetic and said he was sorry and it won't happen again. Bam looks at me for a similar apology and I told him, "F**k you." and I walked out.
Not sure if I'm the a*****e in this situation but I was 15 and I was pissed and a no talking at work policy seemed unreasonable.
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61points
#11
Small non profit hired a new COO who sucked up to the director. Director liked having her ego stroked, and made our lives hell to give in to COO's whims. The last nail was when she mocked my boss (a very qualified, hard working, kind, and efficient program head) because she was taking care of her extremely sick husband at the height of COVID and caught COVID herself. Director called my boss lazy for actually resting during her sick leave, unlike our COO, who was apparently still working while "sick" (COO tested positive but had no symptoms, and she was only signing documents which my boss had prepared while actually being in bed with fever, the director didn't know this). Furthermore, the director said "this is how it's going to be from now on, if you don't like it, I want your resignation by the end of the day". Half of the total staff quit on spot. F that lady and her suck up team. All of us are much better off now.
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61points
#12
I was sick of working 95 hour weeks with zero appreciation. I got called on the carpet for someone else's mistake and they blamed me. I was like oh hell no and quit on the spot. They called me being very apologetic a week later and asked me to come back. They were going to have to hire two people to do my job. Technical writer who always made the deadlines, even if I was up for 2 days straight.
So, I negotiated a pretty big raise, a title and an extra week vacation per year. I stayed another 3 years.
So, I negotiated a pretty big raise, a title and an extra week vacation per year. I stayed another 3 years.
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61points
#13
I worked at a call center for a s****y dial up provider in like 2008
I worked nights to supplement my day job income, which was low because I was an intern. They had super shady cancellation practices. Customers had to jump through hoops and it was borderline impossible to cancel. After like two weeks I got a call from a woman who’s elderly father tried and failed to cancel many many months prior and had racked up all kinds of stupid finance charges and was in collections. She was so sweet and almost in tears because they simply couldn’t afford it. I quit on the spot. I called the manager a greasy piece of s**t and walked out, and called the lady back on my personal cell and apologized and told her how to get out of paying it.
I worked nights to supplement my day job income, which was low because I was an intern. They had super shady cancellation practices. Customers had to jump through hoops and it was borderline impossible to cancel. After like two weeks I got a call from a woman who’s elderly father tried and failed to cancel many many months prior and had racked up all kinds of stupid finance charges and was in collections. She was so sweet and almost in tears because they simply couldn’t afford it. I quit on the spot. I called the manager a greasy piece of s**t and walked out, and called the lady back on my personal cell and apologized and told her how to get out of paying it.
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59points
#14
I was working at a restaurant and a few of the staff told me the owner will sometimes mess with their timesheets and to watch out for that. Upon hearing that, I immediately went to the owner and told him I don’t take that sort of thing lightly. He assured me that he would never do that and I went back to work but kept all my punch receipts. Payday comes and I see my check was rounded down something small like .27 hours (From 40.27 down to 40 or something). I go straight to the owner and told him I quit. He starts yelling “that’s only like 50 cents! I need you tomorrow!” and I say “that’s MY 50 cents! I told you don’t f**k with my money” then walked out.
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58points
#15
I went on holiday for a week, and the company sent a replacement to operate my 25-ton excavator. When I came back, my team told me the guy had absolutely no idea how to operate heavy machinery and had nearly killed someone. When they confronted him about his experience, he admitted he didn’t have much.
Despite my 20 years of experience, he was paid more than I was. So, I called my boss for clarification. They said they couldn’t pay me more, so I simply switched off my machine and went home.
It took them four months and multiple drivers to find the right person. After a few weeks, the new driver struck a fiber optic cable, leading to a hefty fine and stopping the project for several weeks. In the end, they went over budget and finished late—but I guess they were happy that they stood their ground with me.
Despite my 20 years of experience, he was paid more than I was. So, I called my boss for clarification. They said they couldn’t pay me more, so I simply switched off my machine and went home.
It took them four months and multiple drivers to find the right person. After a few weeks, the new driver struck a fiber optic cable, leading to a hefty fine and stopping the project for several weeks. In the end, they went over budget and finished late—but I guess they were happy that they stood their ground with me.
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58points
#16
I asked my boss if she could give me a schedule instead of expecting me to be on call from six in the morning to ten at night Monday-Sunday. She acted like I was asking her for 6 months of paid time off and then said no and I never went back.
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56points
#17
Was working at a bar/pizza restaurant, only 2 people in the kitchen normally, but on that day the other guy called out so I was on my own, and my boss said she'd help.
Basically it just got ludicrously busy, 2 giant families came in, there was a birthday party in another section + all the bar orders.
By "help" my boss actually meant, just tell me what she thinks I should be prioritizing whenever she waltzed through the kitchen.
That had been bothering me all day, and the final straw was when she came back to tell me there was another big group here with no clean table to sit at (also my job).
I just stared her in the eyes while untying my apron, dropped it on the ground and walked out without saying a word.
Basically it just got ludicrously busy, 2 giant families came in, there was a birthday party in another section + all the bar orders.
By "help" my boss actually meant, just tell me what she thinks I should be prioritizing whenever she waltzed through the kitchen.
That had been bothering me all day, and the final straw was when she came back to tell me there was another big group here with no clean table to sit at (also my job).
I just stared her in the eyes while untying my apron, dropped it on the ground and walked out without saying a word.
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51points
#18
My non-verbal, autistic client was becoming increasingly aggressive because her d*****t dad was insisting that her direct support professionals (2 other women and me) take her out for a total of 10 hours a day. Sometimes, people just want to relax and be at home, and she was no different.
Anyway, she suddenly freaked out and grabbed me by the hair and started yanking me around in the middle of JCPenney. A stranger had to help calm her down and get her off of me. At this point, I was 2 months behind in being paid, and her dad kept telling me the money was coming. I wasn't going to accept getting beat up at work for free, so I drove her a*s home, left her with her brother because the dad was out of town at a conference, and quit. I told the woman who worked the shift after me about what happened, and she quit in solidarity with me.
Anyway, she suddenly freaked out and grabbed me by the hair and started yanking me around in the middle of JCPenney. A stranger had to help calm her down and get her off of me. At this point, I was 2 months behind in being paid, and her dad kept telling me the money was coming. I wasn't going to accept getting beat up at work for free, so I drove her a*s home, left her with her brother because the dad was out of town at a conference, and quit. I told the woman who worked the shift after me about what happened, and she quit in solidarity with me.
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48points
#19
Not me but my husband before we got married: he was paid a flat salary, no overtime pay, but he was promised time off in place of overtime. He worked NON-STOP. I mean there were days when he wouldn't go home he'd just work through from 8am to past midnight the next night. His "record" there was 110 hours worked in one week. He would go home to feed the cat or get groceries. They wouldn't even let him go home to shower when he pulled all-nighters. One time he asked me to shave his head in the garden because he didn't have time to go to the barber and while I was doing it I realised he'd fallen asleep. While I was shaving his head with those clipper things that are loud and vibrate against your skull. He took a day off once and his one manager even went to his house to find out why he wasn't at work even though he'd notified the office (his landlord yelled at the guy and accused him of slavery).
Anyway he eventually lost it one night. He was told to work overtime to meet an insane deadline for a MASSIVE national event that was coming up and when he expressed frustration about something, the other manager took his glasses off, got in his face and asked "do you want to hit me?" So he put his office keys on the desk and said f**k you, you're on your own, and walked. The manager was STRESSED. Calling him, begging him, offered him 10k just to work that night. He even called me and begged me to convince my husband to go back to work. I told him to eat s**t.
Anyway he eventually lost it one night. He was told to work overtime to meet an insane deadline for a MASSIVE national event that was coming up and when he expressed frustration about something, the other manager took his glasses off, got in his face and asked "do you want to hit me?" So he put his office keys on the desk and said f**k you, you're on your own, and walked. The manager was STRESSED. Calling him, begging him, offered him 10k just to work that night. He even called me and begged me to convince my husband to go back to work. I told him to eat s**t.
47points
#20
The story is 'meh', but the epilogue...
During finals I agreed to work the night before as long as I did not have to close. Me and manager (nice guy) had an agreement.
Assistant manager was a b***h. I walk into work and she goes 'You're closing tonight'. I replied, "No, I had an agreement with Manager." AM: "You're closing tonight, you have no choice."
So, I took off my company shirt, threw it at her and "This is my choice, b***h." and walked out.
By the time I made it home Manager was calling me back and had put her in her place.
**Epilogue:** About six years later I ran into that same Manager while shopping and we were catching up. During the conversation I asked, "What ever happened on assistance manager...she was a b***h."
Manager: "I married her."
Me: "Oops, I'm sorry."
Manager: "Nope, you're right. She's a b***h.".
During finals I agreed to work the night before as long as I did not have to close. Me and manager (nice guy) had an agreement.
Assistant manager was a b***h. I walk into work and she goes 'You're closing tonight'. I replied, "No, I had an agreement with Manager." AM: "You're closing tonight, you have no choice."
So, I took off my company shirt, threw it at her and "This is my choice, b***h." and walked out.
By the time I made it home Manager was calling me back and had put her in her place.
**Epilogue:** About six years later I ran into that same Manager while shopping and we were catching up. During the conversation I asked, "What ever happened on assistance manager...she was a b***h."
Manager: "I married her."
Me: "Oops, I'm sorry."
Manager: "Nope, you're right. She's a b***h.".
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47points